A millennial woman has discovered an unconventional way to live rent-free while enjoying a lifestyle filled with travel and adventure. Alanna Parrish, a full-time house sitter, shares her unique approach, which allows her to save thousands of dollars annually while living in various homes across the country. Rather than renting or owning property, Parrish has opted for a life where she cares for others’ homes and pets, providing her with both flexibility and excitement.
Parrish, who is in her thirties and originally from California, has been based in New York for the past ten months. She emphasizes that her choice to become a house sitter is not merely a career but rather a lifestyle that aligns with her values of trust, flexibility, and meaningful connections. “Housesitting requires a high level of responsibility and independence, but it’s also much more personal and fulfilling,” she told Newsweek.
Living without a permanent address does come with its challenges. Parrish organizes her calendar meticulously, often lining up house sits back-to-back to minimize downtime. She acknowledges, “It takes a lot of administration work and attention,” but finds joy in the process. The arrangement allows her to explore new places while maintaining her work routine, caring for homes and pets, and discovering local attractions.
Before beginning any house sit, Parrish sets clear expectations with homeowners about important details such as reliable Wi-Fi and cleanliness. This transparency fosters a positive experience for both parties. “I treat every home as if it were my own,” she stated, explaining that she finds fulfillment in knowing homeowners trust her with their spaces and pets.
While the advantages of house sitting are significant, Parrish also faces occasional gaps in her schedule. She has experienced brief periods where she lacked accommodation, during which she resorts to booking hotels or Airbnb for short stays. Despite these challenges, she says, “Some of the biggest perks are flexibility, cost savings, getting to experience new places, and spending time with pets.”
Parrish typically does not charge for her house-sitting services, as her arrangement often involves a mutual exchange. Homeowners appreciate having someone look after their property, while she gains free accommodation. However, when she receives requests from outside parties, those are usually compensated.
To share her experiences and insights, Parrish has taken to social media, particularly TikTok, where she documents her lifestyle. Her posts have garnered significant attention, with one video reaching over 929,200 views and 78,100 likes. The response from viewers has largely been positive, with many expressing curiosity and inspiration regarding her lifestyle choice. Comments on her videos reflect a mix of admiration and anxiety, with one user noting, “This would give me so much anxiety,” while another remarked, “Quite frankly, this is genius. If I was young and single, I’d love this.”
Through her innovative approach to living, Alanna Parrish is redefining traditional concepts of home and lifestyle. By prioritizing experiences over property ownership, she has crafted a life that not only saves money but also enriches her with diverse encounters and meaningful connections. As more individuals seek alternatives to conventional living, Parrish’s journey could inspire others to consider similar paths.
